Succeeds transcendent leader Esther L. Bush
Carlos T. Carter, a family man, married with three sons, and a longtime member of Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh in the Hill District, said he was truly called to lead one of the most important and impactful organizations in the region.
On Nov. 10, the Pittsburgh-born-and-raised Carter will begin his new role as President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the Courier has learned. His final day in his current role as executive director of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is Nov. 3.
In an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, Oct. 19, Carter said leaving his post at HCEF was “very difficult and emotional. We’ve built something here that’s quite amazing. But I know that it will continue. I just feel like the call for Black Pittsburgh is an even greater call that I have to leave my comfort zone and step up and be part of the process.”
Carter added: “I felt called to this position.”
COURIER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Carter’s unwavering passion for helping underserved children and families helped push HCEF to new heights over his five years as executive director. Those on the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors surely noticed Carter’s drive.
“On behalf of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Carlos,” Alan Trivilino, the board’s chair, said in a release. “His experience, expertise and proven leadership will help the Urban League continue to drive its mission forward for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
During the exclusive interview with the Courier, Carter was proud of his Pittsburgh-area roots. He first grew up in Duquesne, in the former Cochrandale projects. His family then later moved to the Wilkinsburg/Homewood area. He recalled his days going to Gladstone Middle School, in Hazelwood (now closed), and his days as a Commodore, graduating from Perry High School, on the North Side.
Carter then earned an associate’s degree from Community College of Allegheny County, a bachelor’s in business administration from Pitt, and an MBA from Robert Morris University. Prior to his role as executive director at HCEF, Carter was a consultant for Holy Family Institute/Holy Family Academy (now Nazareth Prep).
Carter is a former New Pittsburgh Courier “Man of Excellence” recipient (2011), and was selected as a Prestigious 2019 Lead Now Pittsburgh Fellow by Leadership Pittsburgh.
“Saying yes to this opportunity (at the Urban League) was not an easy decision as my current role at HCEF is the best job that I’ve ever had,” Carter told the Courier. “Moreover, there’s a time and season for everything and I am called to take on this next challenge to enable African Americans to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. Given the current state of Black Pittsburgh, I cannot ignore this call to action to help make Pittsburgh livable for all.”
One can’t mention the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh without mentioning Esther L. Bush, the innovative President and CEO of the organization for 27 years, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Trivilino said Bush is leaving “a lasting legacy on the Urban League, our great city and the many people that she has impacted over the years.”
National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial thanked Bush for her “dedication and many contributions over her 40 years at the Urban League.”
Bush began with the Urban League in 1980 as assistant director of the Labor Education Advancement Program for the National division in New York City. “She is leaving a lasting impact on our organization and within all of the communities that she has served,” Morial added.
Carter told the Courier he “respects the path that she’s led, and so I’m walking in the footsteps of a giant and I’m also standing on the shoulders of a community champion.”
Thus, when Carter steps into the big chair at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, he’ll be leading a staff of at least 45 to continue making life better for African Americans in this region. A more prosperous African American community, however, starts with a recognition that the Black community isn’t just about the killings, the negativity that’s portrayed in the media, Carter said.
“We’re a great people, we’re resilient people, not only as artists, intellectuals, etc.,” Carter told the Courier. “I want to continue to change the narrative while not ignoring the changes that need to happen; but also celebrating Black people and what we bring to the table. We literally built this country on our backs brick-by-brick…we’ve made great contributions that people need to respect and appreciate.”
CARLOS T. CARTER (PHOTO BY LINDSAY B. GARVIN)
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